How big is China Space Station? How is it different from the International Space Station?

China Space Station consists of a core module, a cargo spacecraft, a manned spacecraft and two other experimental modules, with a total weight of 60 to 180 tons. The aircraft is not only an independent aircraft with independent flight capability, but also can be combined with the core module to form various spatial combinations, and work together under the unified dispatch of the core module to complete various tasks undertaken by the space station.

The total length of the core module of China Space Station is about 18. 1 m, the maximum diameter is about 4.2 meters, and the launch mass is 20-22 tons. This core module is divided into node module, resource module and life control module. The main tasks of the module include providing living environment for astronauts, supporting astronauts' long-term in-orbit life, supporting the docking of spacecraft and expansion module, and conducting a small number of space application experiments. It is the management and control center of the space station. The core module has five pairs of interfaces, which can connect a cargo spacecraft, two manned spacecraft and two experimental modules.

The total length of the experimental module of China Space Station is about 14.4 meters, the maximum diameter is about 4.2 meters, and the launch mass is about 20-22 tons. The core module of the space station focuses on the combined control task, while the experimental module focuses on the applied experimental task and experimental module, both of which have both functions. The first and second experimental modules have been launched one after another, with independent flight function. After docking with the core module, it can form an assembly, which can carry out the space application of new technologies and long-term in-orbit live experiments, and backup and enhance the functions of the core module platform.

Replenish the propellant consumption and air leakage of the space station, repair and replace the equipment of the transport space station, and extend the on-orbit flight life of the space station; Transport astronauts' work and daily necessities to ensure that astronauts in the space station stay and work in orbit for a long time; Transport space science experimental equipment and materials to support and ensure that the space station has the conditions to carry out large-scale space science experiments and applications. This cargo ship is called Tianzhou cargo ship. Adopt modular design, fully sealed cargo oil tank, semi-sealed cargo oil tank, semi-open cargo oil tank and fully open cargo oil tank. It can transport different loads and be assembled to the space station by astronauts and robotic arms.